Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Burglary/Pawn Unit

Joseph Harris (Arrested)
DOB: 08/11/1988
Address: 2397 Demaret Drive, Dunedin
Charges: Two counts of False Report of a Crime and two counts of Defrauding an Insurance Company

What:
Detectives assigned to the Burglary/Pawn Unit have arrested a Dunedin man for False Reporting of a Crime and Defrauding an Insurance Company after he fabricated reports about three car burglaries in an attempt to collect claims checks from his insurance company. 

When:
The vehicle burglaries were reported on February 28, 2014, June 12, 2014 and September 30, 2014.

Where:
The suspect advised the vehicle burglaries occurred at his home located at 2397 Demaret Drive in Dunedin.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Burglary/Pawn Unit have arrested a Dunedin man for False reporting of a Crime and Defrauding an Insurance Company after he reported three car burglaries in an attempt to collect claims checks from his insurance company. 

According to detectives the suspect reported three different vehicle burglaries that allegedly occurred at this residence on February 28, 2014, June 12, 2014 and September 30, 2014. The suspect advised that during the vehicle burglaries various parts were stolen from his truck which was parked in his driveway.

Through various investigative techniques detectives determined that the suspect had fabricated the burglaries in order to file claims with his insurance company.

Detectives met with the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Joseph Harris on January 14, 2015. During the interview Harris admitted to removing parts from his vehicle and burying them in his backyard before filing the police reports. The suspect stated he did this because he was in need of money. Harris had collected over $10,000 from his insurance company.

Harris was arrested and charged with two counts of False Report of a Crime and two counts of Defrauding an Insurance Company.

The investigation continues.

Booking Photo Joseph Harris